Child Care Funds’ Holiday Sleep-Away Programs Earn High Praise from Members

Many parents need child care when their children are on holiday break from school in February and April. During this break, the 1199SEIU Child Care Funds (CCF) Holiday Sleep-Away Programs provide a fun and educational experience for all participants. Children are encouraged to make new friends and are supported through personal growth in an enriching and safe environment.

The Holiday Sleep-Away Programs are scheduled according to the New York City public school calendar. There is a Winter Session in February and a Spring Session in April. Both are operated by Hands In 4 Youth, the home of Camp Vacamas, in West Milford, New Jersey.

This year, CCF held the Winter Session of the Holiday Sleep-Away Program (HSAP) from February 16 to February 20 for children ages 8 to 13. The Teen Holiday Sleep-Away Program (T-HSAP) was held from February 14 to February 20 for teens ages 14 to 17. A total of 79 children attended HSAP, and 47 teenagers attended T-HSAP. At the time this magazine went to press, the counts from the Spring Sessions hadn’t been tallied.

Participants in the Winter Session took part in activities ranging from team sports, robotics, games, and arts and crafts to nature exploration and big brother/big sister mentorships between T-HSAP and HSAP campers.

In a satisfaction survey of 1199SEIU members whose children participated, 91 percent said their child liked or loved their camp experience, 95 percent said the program had a positive impact on their child, and 91 percent said they are likely or extremely likely to apply again.